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ATESL Policies

Framework Policies

1.1 Belief Statement
The Alberta Teachers of English as a Second Language (ATESL) believes that it is vital to assist learners whose first language is other than English by providing them with the necessary language training and skills to achieve their goals in an English speaking society. Furthermore, we believe that ESL practitioners act in a manner that maintains the honor and dignity of the profession.
1.2 Vision
Alberta Teachers of English as a Second Language will be regarded as essential and credible professionals duly respected and supported by the society at large.
1.3 Mission Statement
As the professional organization Teachers of English as a Second Language in Alberta, ATESL’s mission is to promote the highest standards of teaching and provision of English Language programs for learners in Alberta whose first language is other than English. We do this by:
  • encouraging and providing professional development opportunities which are consistent with generally accepted principles of adult learning and with currently understood principles of second language learning and teaching
  • encouraging and supporting the participation of learners in the decision-making process which determine their educational choices
  • communicating with English language program providers and learners to encourage awareness of issues of accountability and program standards
  • administering an ESL teacher accreditation process which encourages the highest standards of teacher preparation and performance
  • communicating with government, business, and the general public to create awareness about immigration, settlement of immigrants and English language learning
  • liaising with other organizations, local, provincial, national and international, which are engaged in education
  • working collaboratively with government to develop policies and procedures which govern the provision of English language programs and related services for immigrants to Canada
1.4 Target
The organization is designed to serve:
  • Alberta Teachers of English as a Second Language (ATESL) members
  • ESL Teachers in Alberta
  • Student teachers in universities
  • Learners of English as a Second language including:
    • Immigrants
    • International students
    • K-12 students
1.5 Aim Statements
  • Work with government, and community stakeholders to recognize English proficiency as an essential requirement for both basic academic achievement and meaningful social, cultural, political and economic integration of ESL learners into Canadian society.
  • Promote Best Practice Guidelines for teachers and program development throughout Alberta.
  • Gain recognition of the professionalism of ESL teachers in Alberta
  • Increase the number of ATESL-accredited professionals.
  • Provide professional development to members within the profession and to new members through annual conferences, and local chapter meetings
  • Identify and work with other organizations that have similar professional interests
  • Establish an effective website which provides the membership with information, networking and professional development opportunities

The following are some general policies that have been adopted in recent years.

Feb 8, 2001; Disclaimer drafted regarding newsletter and web site content: The information contained in the ATESL Newsletter and the ATESL Web site is provided as a benefit and service to ATESL members. While we attempt to present information which is useful for our members, and screen out potentially harmful information, we do not guarantee the accuracy, quality, completeness, or timeliness of this information.

ATESL's Web site also contains hypertext links to Internet Web sites which do not belong to ATESL. We do not endorse, approve, or certify the information on these sites, and we do not exert editorial or other control over them. We do not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, quality, completeness, or timeliness of any information on these sites.

April 30, 2002; Adopted that ATESL Accreditation continue to be the recommended standard for ESL teachers working in Alberta.

February 8, 2003; adopted that the ATESL website not be used for the purpose of selling or bartering materials. The board recommended that we accept no advertising on the website.